KATHMANDU: The annual festival of Ghode Jatra is being observed in Kathmandu Valley today.

The festival is celebrated annually as per a mythology, which relates that the festival started being marked following the death of a demon named Tundi.

Public belief has it that the demon who lived on a meadow, which is now at Tundikhel, used to unleash terror among the Kathmandu denizens, particularly children.

After his death, people rejoiced by dancing on his body by riding horses. There is also a belief that the parade of horses at Tundikhel keeps the demon’s spirit away.

As per another legend, Ghode Jatra is held to mark the approach of New Year. The festival is celebrated on the day of Krishna Aunsi, as per the lunar calendar.

The horse parade, known religiously known as Aswa Yatra, is organised to welcome the New Year.

Today, the Nepal Army cavalry performs different artistic stunts riding on their horses. The Jatra is also being marked in Lalitpur.